NCIS surprised fans with the return of Emily Wickersham as Ellie Bishop in Season 23’s midseason premiere, “Her,” offering long-awaited answers about her disappearance.

The episode revealed that Bishop had spent the last five years working deep undercover, running a covert U.S. cyber team. To maintain her cover, she intentionally damaged her reputation before leaving NCIS. However, after her team was ambushed during a mission in Ukraine, she went on the run while trying to uncover who betrayed them.

Her return led her to seek help from her former teammates, who welcomed her back despite some initial tension especially with Nick Torres. The episode also revealed that Bishop and Torres had secretly been in a relationship before she left, explaining the emotional strain between them.

Actors Brian Dietzen and Diona Reasonover shared that reuniting with Wickersham felt natural and emotional, describing the cast as a “family” and saying it was like no time had passed.

By the end of the episode, Bishop and Torres parted on good terms, though he chose to stay behind while she continued her mission. While her storyline leaves the door open for future appearances, it remains to be seen if and when she might return again.

For now, Bishop’s comeback has added new depth to her character and reignited fan interest in her story.